Costa Fortuna Postcard #12 Aqaba, Jordan

After 4 straight sea days today was a most welcome change and a port we have been really looking forward to. Before the itinerary was changed, we had pre booked a private tour with a company called Memphis Tours, Egypt but when that port was cancelled we were able to use the deposit against a similar tour in Aqaba but still with Memphis.
After leaving the ship at 8:15 and meeting up with Joseph, our driver for the day. We drove for about an hour and a half to Wadi Rum, stopping briefly at Wadi Rum railway to see the old Turkish train.
At the Wadi Rum visiter centre we were introduced to our 4×4 driver, a Bedouin called Abdul. We had arranged for a 2 hour trip through the park and can only say what a shame it was only 2 hours. Absolutely amazing scenery which I cannot really begin to explain. The photos do not do it justice either and it is difficult to select which ones to show.
We were then taken for another hours drive to Petra where we met all the ships tours coming out. Great planning on our guides behalf. Again the long walk down the gorge was a photographers dream and I can only apologize for not being able to show more at this time.
We then we taken for a 3 course meal at a restaurant in Petra before the long drive back to the ship. The itinerary was advertised as 10 hours but we actually arrived back at 8:30 so we had an extra 2 hours. Exhausted but very happy.